Local Furniture Store Files For Bankruptcy Protection

BOSTON -- A well-known local furniture chain is having money problems.

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NewsCenter 5 has learned that Dean's Home Furniture has filed for bankruptcy protection trying to stay in business.

Consumer reporter Susan Wornick has been reporting on Dean's Home Furniture repeatedly over the last couple of years. An undercover investigation showed an illegal liquidation, and then the Attorney General's Office filed suit.

Now, Dean's is in financial trouble, but the company is claiming it's business as usual.

There was no indication of anything different at Dean's Home Furniture in Norwood Thursday, but NewsCenter 5 has learned the company is operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filed Aug. 25.

Owner Dean Weinstein wouldn't comment. But, in a short printed statement the company confirmed the bankruptcy blaming "the sluggish economy and intense furniture store competition in the Boston area."

It said the company plans to reorganize and remain in business. "We have sent a letter to each of our customers who is waiting for goods to explain our situation and confirm our intention to fulfill their order promptly," the company said.

In 2001, a camera investigation revealed a phony liquidation sale. At the time, Weinstein said the company was doing nothing wrong, but NewsCenter 5's report prompted an investigation by the Attorney General's Office, which resulted in a lawsuit, a $270,000 fine and restitution to consumers.

Inside Dean's Norwood store, much of Dean's merchandise is marked "As Is" or "Final Sale."

A saleswoman said that the company is continuing to take orders it promises to fill, but there are things to know when doing business with a store that's filed for bankruptcy. Get everything in writing, never pay in-full up-front, use a credit card for deposits and save all your paperwork in case there's a problem later.